Every week I write sermon reflection questions. But do I wrestle with them? I suppose I do while projecting the content throughout the week, and preaching the sermon on Sunday; but this week I have decided to wrestle through the questions a bit more thoroughly by blogging about them…
Forgiveness & goodness were available to King Saul. King Saul had access to God’s lavish mercy. The scandalous heritage of imputed righteousness was available to King Saul. BUT Saul did not receive and relish these gifts. When invited to receive and rest in these staggering gifts of God – and live in the freedom, power, […]
I was chatting with my buddy Edgar yesterday and he said, “Do you really think it’s a good idea for people to be reading the Bible?” I said, “Yup.” Edgar said, “For real?” I said, “Yup.” Edgar said, “But it’s dangerous!” I said, “Yup.” Edgar said, “The Bible is full of crazy stories and teachings.” […]
I’m imaginatively inhabiting the story of Nehemiah these days, and at the same time I’m listening to the story of Billy Beane (a.k.a. Moneyball by Michael Lewis) on audiobook. Just like the The Count of Monte Cristo helps me better understand the world of Joseph, son of Jacob; so Billy Beane’s general management of the […]
There are two scenes in Fantastic Mr. Fox that apply to a significant number of relational scenarios. MRS. FOX (confronting her husband because he’s on a destructive path and he’s self-deceived) If what I think is happening is HAPPENING — (OMINOUSLY) — it better not be.::: MRS. FOX May I have a word with you […]
My buddy Roald wrote a story about a kid named Charlie. In the story Roald insinuates that Charlie is better off than four other kids (namely Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee). I told Roald, “I acknowledge that Augustus Gloop, Veruca Salt, Violet Beauregarde, and Mike Teavee are bolshie, but you must […]
I am currently listening to Paul Hewson’s memior Surrender. Yesterday I listened to the part where Paul talks about the song One. Paul’s commentary on this song is incredible. I wholeheartedly exhort you to LISTEN to this audiobook (don’t read this one… this book was very much created to be listened to), and pay careful […]
I was having Turkish coffee with a friend of mine. This friend is an MD. In the course of our conversation, I asked my friend if he had experienced any drama at work lately? My friend said, “I had a patient get upset with me recently, and that was kind of dramatic.” I raised my […]
In Genesis 49 Jacob gathers all his sons to tell them what shall happen to them in days to come. Consider the overlap and continuity between Jacob’s words to Judah and Joseph… Judah, your brothers shall praise you; your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down before you.Judah is […]
Imagine you are Joash. You’re an infant and your grandma tries to murder you![1] But thankfully your Auntie Jehosheba shrewdly steals you away and hides you from your bloodthirsty grandma.[2] You live in hiding for 6 years! When you’re 7 years old, a guy named Jehoiada shrewdly orchestrates a coup détat against your grandma by […]